New research underpins RMIT international student well-being initiatives

New research underpins RMIT international student well-being initiatives

New RMIT research explores the diverse needs and aspirations of international students beyond the classroom, underpinning the university’s wellbeing and experience initiatives.

Professor Catherine Gomes’ open access book, International Student Visibility: Living and Participating in Community, brings together a decade of interviews and surveys with international students. 

Key findings highlight the importance of overcoming communication barriers to foster belonging, connection and wellbeing while students live and work abroad. 

“Experiences outside the classroom define the international student experience [and] wellbeing should not be confined to study,” Professor Gomes said. 

“A good holistic international student experience benefits not only international students but also the reputation of destination sites.” 

Recommendations include a stronger emphasis from training providers and government on providing holistic experiences, encompassing study, work and recreation, and supporting local communities to better engage with international students. 

The research underpins flagship RMIT initiatives including a program of peer-led student social and wellbeing activities.  

“Supporting experiences that foster social connection, wellbeing and personal growth for our students is a priority. That’s why we offer a range of initiatives, like our successful peer wellbeing program,” said RMIT Executive Director Students Dene Cicci. 

“Fostering a sense of belonging is particularly important for students who are new to Melbourne or RMIT. It helps bring about a depth of skills and experience beyond what our students gain in the classroom.” 

The International Student Barometer 2023 found international student satisfaction and learning experience at RMIT jumped by almost 20% respectively. 

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

01 November 2024

Share

Return to RMIT News
01 November 2024

Share

Engage

Related News

Lei-Team-action.jpg

Smart bandage could heal and monitor wounds at the same time

Researchers have unlocked the possibility of creating smart wound dressings that enable real-time monitoring while also being able to deliver healing agents in one simple, scalable platform.

RMIT students mix with sporting industry at inaugural Business of Sport Symposium

This month, students from RMIT’s Essendon Education Academy (EEA) and Melbourne Cricket Education Academy (MCEA) attended the inaugural Business of Sport Symposium, mixing with representatives from across the Australian sporting landscape.

Daniel Featherstone surveying Wujal Wujal resident Alexandra Darkan.

Digital inclusion project puts First Nations voices at the centre

Five years of collaboration with remote First Nations communities has helped locals secure better digital services and greater control over how they connect.

news-electronic-dolphin-oil-water-1220px.jpg

‘Sea creature’ minibot hoovers up oil spills

RMIT University engineers in Australia have built a remote-controlled minibot that hoovers up oil spills using an innovative filtering system inspired by sea urchins.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information